November 14, 2010

Playing The Game

By: Barbara Taylor Bradford

385 Pages

Summary:

Annette Remmington, a London art consultant and private dealer, is at the top of her game. She is considered a rising star in the international world of art, and has a roster of wealthy clients who trust her judgment and her business acumen. Her success reaches new heights when a rare and long lost Rembrandt finds its way into her hands, which she restores and sells for top dollar. Called the auction of the year, Annette becomes the most talked about art dealer in the world.Annette is married to her mentor and personal champion, the much older Marius Remmington. For twenty years, Marius has groomed her into the international art star that she has become, not to mention saving her from a dark and gritty past. She is his pride and joy, and as her best advisor, it’s with great care that he hand picks only the best journalist possible to do a profile on his beloved wife in a popular London Sunday newspaper. Jack Chalmers is a bit of a celebrity himself, becoming one of the top journalists of his time. Marius believes only he will be able to capture the true brilliance of his lovely wife. But Marius never intends to put his marriage in jeopardy. How could he have known that the connection between Jack and Annette would ignite so many secrets? And how could he know that Jack would uncover a scandal that could ultimately destroy them all? ---bn.com

I've been a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford for years. However, her latest books have all been part of a series that I had become disenchanted with. So, as excited as I was to read this book, I started it with some trepidation. Was it going to be good? I'm happy to say Playing the Game exceeded all my expectations. I loved reading this book! After a few less than great books, I dare say Barbara Taylor Bradford is back!!!

I'm not really an art fan, but I loved the art plot line. Discovering what paintings were fake and who was involved with them was a blast. Throughout the book you discover some methods people employ to create fake art and sell it as real. It blows my mind that people would do such incredible things at the risk of getting caught.

The main character, Annette, was a wonderful character to read. She survived a horribly abusive childhood and made a success of her life. She had a remarkable grave that carried her through truly tough times. She spent her life protecting and looking after her sister, Laurie. The two of them found happiness and a future in the world of art.

Annette's husband, Marius, was a character I disliked right off the bat. I had a feeling he was involved in the forgeries, but looked forward to finding out exactly how. Learning how far back and the lengths of his manipulation with Annette was disturbing, but not shocking. He's one of those loathsome characters that no matter what bad thing they've done, it doesn't surprise you.

My favorite aspect of this book was the art storyline. As I said, I've never been a huge art fan, so that says something. You know it's a good book and a good author when they can sweep you up in something you normally wouldn't be swept up in.

Great review! I am definitely interested in this book. I'm not a special art fan either, or some sort or conosseur of art, but I like to read about it, especially if it's about criminals "dabbling in art", hehe.

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